Everything is utterly natural. We're talking about a truly unique place whose main appeal lies in its preservation and which, therefore, demands environmental respect from its visitors. Its pristine landscape makes it a well-deserved protected area on the western coast of the Principality.
Locals call this beach "The Lookout of Silence," possibly because of the colony of seagulls that nest on the angular cliff that closes it off to the east. Besides these birds, this semi-wild enclave is frequented by sport fishermen and spearfishing enthusiasts , as the shelter provided by its topography makes it ideal for these activities. Its waters are almost always calm, and diving in them is a small luxury . A recommended dive begins on the right side of the beach, where you skirt the cliff located to the east of the bay, swimming out to sea and rounding the headland until you reach some islets. At this point, you can dive to a depth of 18 meters . The marine life in these waters is typical of the Cantabrian Sea, with a large number of mussels and barnacles on the rocks of the channels, groves of kelp, wrasses such as the common wrasse and the ballan wrasse, white seabream, conger eels, and scorpionfish; even the occasional sea bass.
On the beach, fine golden sand blends with gravel and pebbles . To reach it, you must leave your vehicle near the village of Castañeras and descend a steep set of stairs. Access is neither difficult nor winding, although it lacks the convenience of other, more easily accessible coves reached by car ; perhaps this is why it retains its original character like few other places on the Cantabrian coast.
At low tide , Playa del Silencio gives way to the small cove of El Riego, another enchanting stretch of sand nestled between Sarna Island to the west and Punta Gayuelos to the east. Here, hollows open up and the rocks take on unexpected shapes. It's the perfect spot to enjoy absolute tranquility. We observe the islets of a rugged archipelago, where the rest of the world always seems too far away.
How to get to the beach of Silence?
It is located in the western half of the Cudillero municipality , west of Cape Vidio. The nearest towns are Castañeras and Novellana.
The nearest town to Playa del Silencio is Castañeras , accessible by taking the corresponding exit on the N-632. The beach is just over a kilometer from this town. Most of the journey can be made by car, but the last 250 meters must be covered on foot. The beach is accessed via a staircase built into the cliff. For those without their own vehicle, there is a train stop in Novellana; this option, although it involves a considerable walk, offers the appeal of the beautiful coastal route along which the train travels.
Route from Silencio beach to Cabo Vidio
A 12 km route of medium difficulty – requiring good physical fitness due to the continuous ascents and descents – that runs along the cliffs and beaches of Oviñana, offering breathtaking scenery. In some sections, it coincides with the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James).
We can hike from Castañeras to Faro Vidio or vice versa, or access it from Novellana, Castañeras, Albuerne, Valdredo, or Oviñana. In any case, we'll pass by the Mirador del Sablón viewpoint , which many consider to be the bench with the best views in the world . Near the end of the route is the famous Iglesiona , a natural cave about 60 meters high, shaped by the action of the waves. The effort is well worth it for enjoying the idyllic surroundings of the trail.
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
